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Guatemala
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Curiosities about the currency
The Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ) is the national and official currency of Guatemala. It came into legal circulation in 1924, when it replaced the Guatemalan peso, a currency that had been in circulation since 1859. The Bank of Guatemala is responsible for its issuance and management. Its symbol is Q.
The banknotes of Guatemala in circulation are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 quetzals. The issuance of banknotes of 500 and 1000 GTQ is also anticipated. All of them are made of paper and always display the image of a quetzal, the sacred bird of the Maya and Aztec civilizations.
The current currencies of Guatemala are 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos, as well as one quetzal, which is divided into 100 centavos. In the past, half-cent and two-cent coins were also minted. They are now out of circulation and are collector's items.
The Guatemalan quetzal is one of the few currencies in the world that has not undergone any monetary reconversion or substitution in its history. It has maintained its purchasing power over the years and its value has always remained very close to that of the dollar.
In order to reduce the production costs of the currency, the Bank of Guatemala plans to change the manufacturing materials of the GTQ. Specifically, steel will be replaced by nickel. However, this substitution will not result in any visual change.
What do the banknotes/coins look like?
Front part
*The banknotes and coins correspond to the newest issued series and are for reference. Colours may vary and there may be more designs than those shown.
